Ventura Shows Oxnard Who’s Boss in WSC, 2-0

The Oxnard College women’s soccer team took the field with dreams of dethroning a dynasty.

Instead, Sarah Costello of Ventura College scored on a free kick in the 30th minute and Kelly Nash added a goal in the 48th minute to lift first-place Ventura to a 2-0 Western State Conference victory Tuesday at Oxnard College.

Ventura (16-3-3, 10-2-1 in conference play) can clinch its fifth consecutive WSC title with a victory Friday over Hancock at Ventura.

For Oxnard (15-4-1, 8-4-1), which defeated Ventura for the first time in five years, 1-0, on Oct. 13, the chance to end Ventura’s championship run turned into a bruising defensive struggle.

“Oxnard played well considering the pressure they were under,” Ventura Coach Steve Hoffman said. “But they’re not used to being successful.”

Oxnard Coach Mike Scanlon pointed to Ventura’s defense, which limited the Condors to 13 shots on goal.

“They played us pretty deep defensively,” Scanlon said. “That gave them a defensive edge, but they continued to attack.”

Hoffman tailored his defense for Oxnard, employing sweeper Marisa Pittman deep in the backfield to contain Oxnard’s breakaway speed.

The Condors’ best scoring chances came in the first 20 minutes when midfielder Norma Gutierrez and striker Priscilla Olsen were stopped by Ventura goalkeeper Heidi Guzman, who had 10 saves.

A severely bruised foot limited Olsen’s effectiveness and hindered Oxnard’s offense, Scanlon said.

“It took the air out of the balloon,” he said. “It would have been a different story if we had scored first.”

Costello, a sophomore from Ventura High who was WSC player of the year last season, scored when she was awarded a free kick after Oxnard goalkeeper Elba Campos was called for tripping.

“It wasn’t intentional and I don’t think it should have been called a penalty,” said Campos, who had 14 saves.

Costello disagreed. “[Oxnard] is really physical and very tough, “ she said. “They’re not too dirty, but they’re a little rough. We knew what we were getting into.”

Ventura outshot Oxnard, 22-13, and sealed the victory when Nash took J.J. Toohey’s pass and beat Campos.

“That second goal pretty much did it,” Scanlon said. “That put us in desperation mode.”